The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private Richard E. Donnelly, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Battery B, 460th Parachute Field Artillery Battalion, 517th Parachute Infantry Regimental Combat Team, 13th Airborne Division, in action against the enemy on 3 and 4 January 1945, at Troin Ponts, Belgium. Private Donnelly, while acting as a member of the forward observer party, became the only member of the party remaining at the observation post, all his comrades having been wounded and evacuated. Disregarding the fact that the enemy had bracketed his post with light artillery and mortar fire, he remained alone in his extremely hazardous position for two days directing fire on the enemy positions and sending intelligence information to the rear over his communications line, the only one available. While continuing to five fire missions from his exposed but commanding observation point, Private Donnelly was killed by mortar fire. His courageous action, devotion to duty, and utter disregard for personal safety were instrumental in forcing the enemy withdrawal and reflect great credit on himself and the United States Army.

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Private Richard E. Donnelly, United States Army, was awarded the Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Battery B, 460th Parachute Field Artillery Battalion, attached to the 517th Parachute Infantry Regimental Combat Team, during World War II.